I concur with others on this board that your experience is very surprising and seems to be the exception. I celebrated my birthday at Restaurant Eve last year with my vegetarian husband and they were very accommodating with substitutions, service was impeccable and the food divine! Sorry to hear of your unpleasant experience there... would definitely have brought it to the manager's attention.

W hotel POV bar is a nice place to propose but, as mentioned in previous posts, it's a hit/miss with the view, and food/beverages are not that spectacular. IMO, best views of DC are from Rosslyn because it is just across the Potomac. If you are keen on staying within DC limits, I suggest Kennedy Center rooftop - very romantic but note that hours are a bit limited compared to other DC restaurants.

Been to Againn 2x now, the first time when they opened and then again more recently. First time was awful - poor service, they were out of several beers I wanted to try, and the food was so-so. The more recent visit (inspired by a Groupon) was completely different - food was quite good, service was impeccable and I would definitely save room for the Banoffee dessert! mmmmm..... bon appetit!

4x4 - i stumbled upon the CH thread too (200+ replies!) and it immediately jumped to the top of my list for 2011! Have been there twice now and it's AMAZING! The flavors produced by this family-run establishment located in such a non-descript strip mall-type building will blow you away - wow! Bon appetit!

My husband and I went for our 2nd anniversary dinner to Komi and to Citronelle for my birthday this year.Don't think you can go wrong with food or service at either of these - they are both exceptional on these fronts! Personally, I enjoyed the tasting menu at Komi far more than the a la carte options at Citronelle. For me, Komi had a more intimate setting, friendlier service, and the food was an adventure for the eyes and taste buds. Komi was a 'food experience', whereas Citronelle was more 'fine dining', so it really depends on what you are looking for. Happy anniversary!

The hubby and I will be in Park City for a birthday/ski vacation in a few weeks. I am looking for some recs for a birthday dinner spot - am considering The Mariposa, Chimayo and Wahso so far, but am open to others. We are flexible on price, most important criteria are quality (food and service) and ambiance since it's his birthday.

Visiting Toronto this weekend with some friends and want some Sunday brunch recs for first timers. We have 2 vegetarians in the crew and don't want to bust the budget. We are staying close to downtown Toronto and have a rental car so getting around is not a big deal. Thanks, in advance, Toronto foodies!!!

Agree with Steve (earlier post), there's a distinct difference btw the 2 places in terms of food (modern vs. comfort food) and ambiance (luxury vs. eclectic) so I think it boils down to personal preference. I have been to both recently - CityZen and Restaurant Eve Tasting Room - and can attest to impeccable service and amazing food quality! Don't think you can go wrong with either, just depends on what you prefer. Bon appetit!

I would highly recommend Thai Basil in Chantilly (out of the way but definitely worth it for authenticity) - http://www.thaibasilchantilly.com - and Duangrat's and its sister restaurant Rabieng (next door) offer pretty good regional Thai preparations.

Second the recommendation for Nora - it's the only certified organic restaurant in DC, pleasant ambiance, and the food and service are excellent! I was there in Dec and it was definitely less than $185 pp.

Spice Lanka in Gaithersburg and Dhana Bazaar (Indo-Lankan grocery store near Montrose Crossing) in Rockville both have a good stock of Sri Lankan sambol - all different types and brands. Prepared food at Spice Lanka is far superior to the same at Dhana Bazaar. Bon appetit!

Went to dinner at Masa 14 because we had heard it was great - such a disappointing experience! The food was terrible - fried okra tasted like the oil had been re-used, fusion execution was not tasteful, pork belly was not cooked well,.... you get the picture. The ONLY reason I would ever return to this place is for the bar scene which was very active, loud and fun. Apparently they are opening up a rooftop deck this Spring/Summer which sounds nice - but only for drinks.

I am in search of the best bread pudding in town - it is my husband's FAV dessert and I want to get it for his birthday, as opposed to the traditional cake/dressed-up dessert at restaurants. Places that serve it OR sell it are fine.